New homes in £bn scheme

PUBLISHED: 11:18 06 November 2009 | UPDATED: 14:46 24 August 2010

Homes at last

A NEW chapter in the borough s housing history was written as its flagship affordable homes scheme was launched. Granville New Homes in south Kilburn, a development of 110 new homes for affordable and intermediate letting ranging from one-bedroom apartmen

A NEW chapter in the borough's housing history was written as its flagship affordable homes scheme was launched.

Granville New Homes in south Kilburn, a development of 110 new homes for affordable and intermediate letting ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom maisonettes, was unveiled by Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) on Tuesday.

The scheme, delivered in partnership with Brent Council and South Kilburn Partnership, is part of £1 billion regeneration of the area.

Ms Hannah Sayce, a Granville New Homes resident, said: "I have only lived at Granville New Homes for a short while but can honestly say it has been an excellent experience.

"The quality of the homes is second to none and community features, like the communal gardens and the youth centre, help bring people together.

"The location is also excellent - Kilburn town centre is just around the corner for shops and other necessities are right on our doorstep.

"This development has been a community effort - South Kilburn residents helped design it - and this contribution means we are proud to call this place home."

The opening is a landmark moment for the borough as BHP is the first Arm's Length Management Organisation (ALMO) in the UK to buy and manage a property of this scale, which means BHP and not the council is the landlord to new tenants.

Helen Evans, chief executive of BHP, said: "This development shows the potential of Brent Housing Partnership and the council working together to deliver much-needed regeneration to South Kilburn.

"These are high quality, affordable homes for those in the first stage of a major regeneration strategy for the area. These moves represent the first step in creating a new future for South Kilburn and we are very proud to be a part of this important development.

"We will continue working with Brent Council and regeneration partners to bring positive changes to those who live in South Kilburn."

The properties focus on energy conservation and sustainability, with features including solar panels, a green roof, harvesting tanks, low power lighting, double glazing, high levels of insulation an under floor heating system and dual flush toilets to save on water consumption.

Homes have communal landscape gardens and water and refuse recycling facilities and there is a community facility providing after school services for children and other facilities for young and older people.

Cllr James Allie, member for housing and customer services, said: "One of the top priorities for the council is delivering high quality affordable housing to those in need.

"We are proud that we were able to continue to provide these fantastic homes - despite the current economy - to those who need them the most."